The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 12: Finally, Someone Pleasing to the Eye

"Compared to those who treat human life as worthless, Sister Yue's burning of Wangchun Tower was an act of great virtue. I refuse to believe that both His Majesty and Her Majesty are unaware of such goings-on. Since neither they nor the Crown Prince has put a stop to this cruel game in all these years, why should Sister Yue be punished now? It's absolutely unreasonable!" Ye Qingran's voice held a hint of mockery, his expression barely betraying a slight trace of disdain, which was easy to overlook.

Li Yun attentively observed Ye Qingran's every move, catching that flicker of mockery in his expression. It seemed he was helping her, but he was also using this incident to shed light on the reprehensible game that no one could bear to witness. If she were truly punished today, then all the noble youths of the court would likewise be guilty—a situation that would have far-reaching implications.

With this realization, her opinion of him deepened. It was clear he was no ordinary figure. His seven years of travel and experience had granted him insight beyond the frivolous arrogance he occasionally displayed. Here was someone genuinely unlike the rest of those present.

The Crown Prince's face darkened as he looked at Ye Qingran, his eyes heavy and displeased, evidently taken aback by his choice of words.

"Indeed, if Sister Yue's act of burning Wangchun Tower was a crime, then what should be said about the court's noble youth who engage in this pastime day after day?" added the Fourth Prince, giving Ye Qingran a meaningful look before glancing at Li Yun with a calculating gaze.

The Crown Prince fell silent, his shadowed gaze locking onto Li Yun with unreadable depth.

"And you're right, Ye Qingran; the Sacred Emperor never specified that only the legitimate daughters of the Yun family could be Empress. The Yun family has many illegitimate children. So what if Sister Yue doesn't adhere to the rules of propriety? Burning Wangchun Tower only resulted in the loss of a hundred lives, while the number of people who die each year in this cruel game is incalculable. What do you make of that? Crown Prince, haven't you also failed to report to the Emperor regarding this matter?" The Fourth Prince spoke with conviction, seizing every opportunity to undermine the Crown Prince. After finishing his remarks, he turned to Li Yun with a smile and said, "If that's the case, Sister Yue, you must take a good look at the man you have admired all these years! If you end up imprisoned because of this, how heartbroken those of us who genuinely care for you will be!"

His last words were laden with significance, his tone warm yet mocking.

Li Yun couldn't help but twitch at the corner of her mouth, thinking how shameless the Fourth Prince was. Did he truly care for her? She wasn't so sure.

"Yes, how heartbroken those who truly care for you will be! Haha..." Ye Qingran turned to Li Yun, his voice softening to an almost tender tone. The change in his demeanor made the atmosphere in the viewing garden feel as warm as spring breeze, soft as fine rain. Even the Crown Prince's dark expression seemed to blur momentarily.

Li Yun regarded him with a mix of intrigue and distaste. Hearing their words, it seemed she had become the center of attention, contrary to how she had perceived herself before. Lowering her head, she rolled her eyes, a rare act of defiance.

Ye Qingran, noticing her eye roll, was momentarily taken aback, but then he laughed even more freely.

The Fourth Prince flitted between Li Yun and Ye Qingran, his brows furrowed, seemingly puzzled by Ye Qingran's behavior.

Not only the Fourth Prince but also the Crown Prince and the Empress were bewildered. How could a person who had just returned from seven years of travel suddenly become so invested in Yun Qianyue? Not only did he offend them, but he also unearthed the scandals of the noble youths in the Sacred Dynasty, which was a highly controversial topic. His boldness, returning to the court without a foothold yet so unabashedly making enemies, was even more audacious than seven years ago.

After a long silence, the Crown Prince's dark eyes seemed to lose their luster. He looked at Li Yun and Ye Qingran, his phoenix eyes deep as a well. "What Ye Qingran and the Fourth Prince say is indeed correct, but those noble youths have always played their games with their servants. The Emperor and I may have heard rumors but have no right to meddle in our subjects' households. However, the lives lost in Wangchun Tower due to Sister Yue's actions are not mere servants. This matter has stirred public outrage in the capital, and the citizens are discontent. The officials are also expressing their grievances. If Sister Yue is not punished, it could lead to chaos among the people of the Sacred Dynasty. At that point, it will be difficult to manage."

Li Yun's expression turned icy at his words, realizing the Crown Prince was intent on putting her to death—what a contemptible act!

Ye Qingran was equally surprised that the Crown Prince's arguments were so easily dismissed. It seemed he had underestimated Ye Tianqing, who had changed since seven years ago.

Before Ye Qingran could respond, Ye Tianqing's cold gaze broke into a mocking smile, his tone sharp and unyielding as he commanded, "Bring Yun Qianyue to the Ministry of Justice's prison. Ensure she is under strict surveillance, and no one is allowed to visit her. Wait for my father's orders for her punishment."

As soon as Ye Tianqing's command was given, over a dozen palace guards surged forward, their swords pointed at Li Yun, simultaneously surrounding Ye Qingran and the Fourth Prince, who were nearest to her. It was clear that these guards were loyal to the Crown Prince and would follow his orders without question.

Li Yun felt a chill run down her spine. Just moments ago, when the Empress called for guards to take her, they had acted slowly. Now, under the Crown Prince's orders, they moved with such speed, revealing how much authority he wielded. She couldn't fathom how this body's original owner had managed to provoke the Crown Prince so deeply. Looking at Ye Tianqing, her fists clenched tightly in her sleeves. This man had better pray he doesn't fall into her hands; otherwise, she would make sure to repay this humiliation today.

The Empress, who had remained silent and observant, also sensed the shift in the atmosphere. Her expression darkened, but she did not intervene.

The Fourth Prince glanced at Ye Qingran, seemingly waiting to see what he would do next.

Ye Qingran's expression darkened for just a moment before his lips curved into a slight smile. He casually smoothed out the folds of his otherwise pristine clothing. This single action made the guards around him change their expressions, stepping back in surprise. He said slowly, "I've been away from the court for seven years, and I see that things have changed a bit! In the past, anyone in the palace or throughout the Sacred Dynasty would avoid me. Now, who gave you the audacity to point swords at me?"